It’s no surprise Amiel Acido has become one of the key players of the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament. The third‑year shooting guard has taken a leap in both scoring and leadership for the España‑based squad, alongside heralded teammates Collins Akowe and Mark Llemit.
True to form, Acido was among UST’s best performers in the Growling Tigers’ 98‑87 win against the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal on an efficient 7‑for‑10 clip—all while coming off the bench.
Amiel Acido Won’t Force Things
After the game, Acido shared that while he’s perfectly capable of putting up points, he will always try to make the right read no matter what. That doesn’t mean he won’t look for his shot when UST needs him to.
“For me naman kasi ayokong pinipilit ko talaga ‘yung I‑score ko. I always try to read the situation talaga. So, if talagang ibinigay sa akin, ako talaga ii‑score,” Acido told Rebanse. “Pero most of the time talaga, if kayang makahanap pa talaga ng mga better shots, ‘yun talaga ‘yung hinahanap ko.”
Doing It All for UST
Acido’s numbers this season bear out that mentality. So far, the explosive guard is averaging 17.6 points a game while also dishing out 5.3 assists. Add to that 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals per outing, and it’s clear he is doing it all for the Growling Tigers.
“Sa scoring naman pina‑practice ko naman ‘yan, proven naman na ‘yan. Hindi ko siya hinahanap, pero kapag kailangan talaga ayun,” he added.
UST and the sweet‑shooting Amiel Acido will look to continue their winning streak when they take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, October 3, at the PhilSports Arena.
